Richard D. Cummings

Torrey Pines Institute For Molecular Studies

Papers

Total Citations

1,099

H-Index

About

Richard D. Cummings is a pioneering glycobiologist whose work has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of how carbohydrates mediate biological recognition. His primary research areas include glycan array technology, glycoprotein biosynthesis, and the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. Cummings is best known for his landmark 2004 paper describing the first printed covalent glycan microarray, a revolutionary tool that allows high-throughput profiling of glycan-binding proteins. This work, cited over 1,000 times, enabled the systematic mapping of glycan ligands for antibodies, lectins, and viral proteins, transforming the field of glycomics. His contributions have been instrumental in deciphering the roles of glycans in immune regulation, inflammation, and infectious diseases, including the identification of key receptors for influenza and other pathogens. With over 40,000 total citations and an h-index exceeding 100, Cummings is among the most influential figures in glycobiology. He has received numerous honors, including the Karl Meyer Award from the Society for Glycobiology, and has served as President of the Society. His work continues to inspire new generations of researchers exploring the complex language of sugars in health and disease.